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The instruction is excellent, but what keeps me coming back is the culture. Being in a room full of people who are genuinely trying to better themselves on and off the mat is something you don't find everywhere. As a grad student with a lot moving at once, academically, professionally and personally, being engaged in a culture with coaches and teammates who are genuinely putting in the work not just on the mat, but in their lives outside of it as well has a way of keeping you accountable. Apart from becoming more capable on the mat, what sets this place apart for me is the emphasis on who you're becoming outside of it. The values modeled here- being a good partner and showing up with integrity carry real weight. You see this in the people around you which has a way of rubbing off whether you're looking for it or not, and its what made me realize I'm in the right place.
My 5 year old has taken two classes here so far and wakes up every day asking if it is time to train. The people in this gym have brought a joy to her life that she was definitely missing.
From what I have seen so far they are wonderful with children and meet them exactly where they are at. They gave us a free trial class and there was no pressure to sign up after. They genuinely want the kids to enjoy being there before committing.
Looking forward to seeing my girl grow here!
Hands down the best gym in wny. Fantastic and supporting community whether its your 1st day or 5th year. Extremely knowledgeable teachers who have a drive for wanting students to succeed. I recommend this gym to anyone who needs a new community or even getting into bjj.
I'm originally from Buffalo but now live and train out of state. I dropped into Lake Effect when visiting home. The facility itself is awesome and extremely clean and well kept. Instruction is top-notch and Michael and his coaches give individualized attention to all students. The culture is really welcoming and friendly, I felt right at home when I walked in. Lake Effect is officially my new home away from home! Thank you!
I am super impressed with Lake Effect, the gym is always clean and inviting. The instructors are amazing and really put in an effort to ensure the students are getting the instruction they need. The culture is amazing, when you walk in you feel welcome and everyone has respect for each other. I am so glad I found this place it is a ton of fun and I encourage anyone thinking about BJJ to give this place a try I truly cannot say enough good things about it.
I recently dropped in for a class while visiting the area, and I couldn’t be more impressed. The staff and students were professional, courteous, and very welcoming.
The facility is top-notch—locker rooms, well-maintained mats, and a great overall vibe. They have a great culture: experienced practitioners with no egos, patience toward new students, and a genuine love for the art. Everyone was humble, respectful, and focused, which made learning feel safe and fun.
I’ve been training for 8 months, and I learned more in this one class than I expected. I’ll admit, I was a little intimidated by their photos (they look pretty mean and tough!)—but these same people behind those poses are kind, knowledgeable, and down-to-earth.
If I were to ever relocate to Buffalo, Lake Effect Jiu-Jitsu would absolutely be my go-to academy. Highly recommend to anyone looking for top-quality training and a supportive atmosphere.
I'm originally from Buffalo but now live and train out of state. I dropped into Lake Effect when visiting home. The facility itself is awesome and extremely clean and well kept. Instruction is top-notch and Michael and his coaches give individualized attention to all students. The culture is really welcoming and friendly, I felt right at home when I walked in. Lake Effect is officially my new home away from home! Thank you!
Five Star Review
Everyone at LEMA has been very welcoming and it is a great place to learn from knowledgeable coaches. I started jiu jitsu there last year and at 43 years old it's gotten me in the best shape of my life.
As someone with a previous history in various martials, sports and overall fitness, my experience with Lake Effect Martial Arts has been nothing short of transformative. Having achieved high-ranking belts in different forms of marital arts, I can confidently say that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) at Lake Effect is an unparalleled and enriching experience, offering both physical and mental challenges that have helped me focus and redfine my approach to life.
One of the most striking aspects of Lake Effect Martial Arts is its inclusivity. Regardless of age or skill level, the discipline embraces all ages, skill levels (even if you have none), backrounds (ethnic, social or professional), creating an environment that fosters growth and development. As someone who joined later in life, I found a welcoming community that accommodates beginners and advanced practitioners alike. The diversity of students creates a supportive atmosphere that encourages everyone to push their limits and strive for improvement.
The challenges posed by BJJ are genuine and multifaceted, developing and demanding both physical prowess and mental acuity. Yet, it's precisely these challenges that have helped me discover a newfound purpose and focus, especially now that my children are at the age where they are on their own. BJJ at Lake Effect has become more than just a physical activity; it has become a source of clarity and peace of mind in this new chapter of my life.
One of the distinguishing factors of Lake Effect Martial Arts is the exceptional quality of its instructors. Deeply knowledgeable, patient, and accommodating to practitioners of all levels and ages, they play a pivotal role in creating a welcoming, positive and enriching learning environment. Their guidance has not only improved my BJJ skills but has also extended to personal and professional development, making a tangible impact on various facets of my life.
In the two years since I joined Lake Effect, I have not only gained physical strength, conditioning and agility but have also experienced emotional and mental benefits that extend beyond the mats. The sense of community fostered by the academy is akin to a family, where members challenge and support one another, both on and off the mats. This sense of camaraderie has become an integral part of my life, creating lasting connections with people who share a passion for personal growth in their heart, mind and soul
In conclusion, Lake Effect Martial Arts has been a beacon of positive change in my life. It offers a unique blend of physical and mental challenges, a welcoming community, and expert instruction that extends beyond the realm of BJJ. For anyone seeking a transformative journey that goes beyond traditional fitness routines, Lake Effect Martial Arts stands out as a place where one can discover purpose, focus, and a supportive community that enriches both personal and professional aspects of life. I am profoundly grateful for the impact it has had on my journey, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone ready to embark on a holistic martial arts experience
Looked up some possible places while in Buffalo for the week for some work related training. Found this place and reached out. Coach Michael quickly responded, welcoming me to drop in and provided some good info. When I got there the environment was very welcoming, from the instructors down to the newest white belt. I never felt like anyone wanted to prove themselves against the "stranger", a vibe I've gotten on occasion when I drop in on classes during my travels. Got some good drilling in to work on muscle memory, and some good positional rolling for practice and to get the heart rate up. Overall great class.
I’ve lived and trained jiu jitsu in New York City, Pittsburgh PA, Toronto Canada and Frankfurt Germany for Work at some of the most regarded Jiu Jitsu academies in the country.
Lake Effect Martial Arts located in Buffalo, New York stands out among all of them not only for the technical quality of the jiu jitsu instruction & self defense development but mainly for its sense of community. For reference’s sake I spent 2 full years with Lake Effect.
Head Professor Michael Katilus is a well respected professional in WNY and runs this academy as a passion project outside of his daily living. For this reason everything is done for the right reasons and for the positive development of his students. His supporting cast of over 6 jiu jitsu black belts share the same through line and are a highly respectable band of Police officers, University Professors, Master Chef, Military Airplane Mechanic and more. Special mention of Coach Chris Former Active-Duty Marine turned stand up comedian and butterfly guard master in his retirement.
The students of Lake Effect are equally interesting individuals and i’m happy to call many of them friends.
If you are looking for great life development of your kids or nephews/nieces look no further.
If you are an adult looking to become a great jiu jitsu fighter and challenge yourself in a positive community look no further.
Dropped in for a No-Gi class while in Buffalo where I’ll be traveling now for work. Facility, staff, and instructors were great. They made me feel welcomed and got some good rounds in. Look forward to coming back next time I’m in town.
-Traveling Brown Belt from Philly
I was in town for work and Michael welcomed me to join any session that worked for my 42 year old white belt self which happened to be a 6:30am intro session on a cold November morning. Gym was very clean, spacious and well appointed with timers, cubbies, seating and changing space. I love their appreciation for foot hygiene! Great location with lots of windows and a big parking lot--super easy to find and convenient to Buffalo. Greg was the instructor for this session and he spent a lot of time with a thorough warm-up and individualized attention during reps. He even got involved in the gauntlet-style positional grappling which I seldom see black belts risk their noses and lips with us white belts! I hope to come back in the future... thanks again for the hospitality!
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Great Professor (Mike) and Coach Joao... Very welcoming and glad I was able to make class. My 67th school to train at and it was like I had trained here all the time. Tough rolls and all around good peeps... Not to mention a really nicely laid out facility. Being Born and raised in Buffalo and being home visiting it had that warm Buffalo welcome. Look forward to training here again.
I participated and competed in various martial arts in my life. Everything from Tae Kwon Do, Kempo, and Karate in my younger years and even trained in Muay Thai for two years in my late 20s. I was always a heavier set build and I thought I have experienced what I could out of martial arts regarding weight loss while pushing my body and confidence to the limits. That is, until, I took my first class of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Lake Effect Martial Arts (LEMA).
When I joined the LEMA family, I was the heaviest I been in my life and pushing an obese weight of 290lbs at the height of 6’0. I was extremely intimidated and embarrassed to start training in a martial art once again knowing how heavy I was, let alone a martial art I have absolutely no familiarity! However, due to the amazing culture and leadership of the academy, I felt right as if I was training on the mats there for months. Everyone is extremely helpful, friendly and always willing to assist (Professors and students); does not matter if your tall, short, heavy, skinny, everyone is training together on their jiu-jitsu journey. You’re not alone at LEMA or just “another number” at a gym, and the inviting family-like culture demonstrates the second-to-none leadership from the professors.
In only 5 ½ months I have shed 50lbs and counting! Along with the weight loss, I am the most flexible and mobile I have been in my life and this is including my earlier martial arts years. Jiu-Jitsu is very challenging and will push your mind and body to the limits, but, you’re not on this journey alone.
Regardless of what someone’s goals are: lose weight, get in better shape, compete or learn self-defense with arguably the most efficient martial arts in the world, there is no other place to train other than Lake Effect. I am grateful for taking the leap into the world of Jiu-Jitsu and looking forward to conquering more goals with the Lake Effect team!
Joining this gym was like joining a family. Very welcoming! Professors and coaches are true professionals. Can't wait to continue my journey borrowing from this team!
Absolutely the best martial arts school i have ever had a privelage to visit. Excellent family atmosphere, top of the line instructors and an amazing student base. Everyone was extremely helpful and took time to explain how the techniques worked. I highly recommend this school no mat bullies no spazes just a nurturing environment to bring out the absolute best in oneself. I cannot stress enough the amount of time and care the professors take with their students. For anyone thinking about training there really is no better academy in western New York.
Lake Effect Martial Arts is the best place in WNY if you are interested in: learning or training jiu jitsu, learning self-defense techniques, trying to get your kid into a positive hobby/sport (or "bully-proofing"), or if you're looking to improve your MMA game strategies. This state of the art gym is a bright, clean facility unlike others in the area. The coaches have trained and competed jiu jitsu all over the world. They take the gentle art seriously, they are each very dedicated to learning and improving their skills, and teaching the most cutting edge techniques to their students. These guys are patient, articulate, professional and encouraging as coaches - they want to help people to be their best on and off the mats. Check them out!
I’ve dropped in a few places and the first half an hour of class is always awkward. You don’t know anyone, you don’t know where the lockers are etc. This is the most welcoming place you can find. There are just good guys there. They shake your hand, they like and want to help to white belts- great place to spend your time, can't wait to come back.
Awesome place to train, great environment with supportive teammates that makes the academy feel like an extension of your family.
This coming weekend marks a major moment not only for Dylan Cookfair, but for everyone who has had the privilege of watching his journey unfold here at Lake Effect Martial Arts. Dylan will be stepping into a 185 lb Kickboxing Title Fight, and we couldn’t be more excited to see him showcase the work, sacrifice, and commitment that […]
Ten Years on the Mat: Building People, Not Just Champions Ten years. In many ways, it feels like yesterday that we first opened our doors with a handful of students, borrowed equipment, barely a room to operate in, and a vision that was (and still is) far bigger than our resources. In other ways, it […]
Congratulations to the ten students who earned new ranks this past Saturday during our 2026 Spring Promotions. These promotions represent years of detailed instruction, discipline, and commitment to growth on and off the mat. We are proud and honored to recognize several important milestones within our academy: the awarding of our first green belt (Tyson) […]
Lake Effect Martial Arts: Bordering Buffalo, NY If you’ve been searching for a Buffalo martial arts academy that offers more than just classes, you’ve probably come across Lake Effect Martial Arts. Just outside Buffalo, our academy is celebrating 10 years of helping people build confidence, skill, and community through high quality training in Brazilian Jiu […]
Why Lake Effect Martial Arts in Depew, NY Is the Right Community to Start Your Jiu Jitsu Journey Starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can feel intimidating. You might be wondering if you’re in shape enough, if you’ll fit in, or if you’ll actually stick with it. At Lake Effect Martial Arts in Depew, New York, we […]
Lake Effect Martial Arts Established 2016. Nearly 9.5 years as a Jiu Jitsu Academy. Take Courage.
Looking for boxing or Muay Thai in Buffalo, NY? Join Lake Effect Martial Arts and experience high-energy, ego-free classes designed to improve your fitness, technique, and confidence.
Lake Effect Martial Arts in Depew, New York is Western New York’s premier Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy, serving the greater Buffalo area for over nine years. We’re more than a martial arts school — we’re a community dedicated to helping people of all ages and fitness levels build strength, confidence, and mental wellbeing through Jiu Jitsu.
Our students experience real transformation — from weight loss and stress relief to improved focus, discipline, and lifelong friendships. With expert instruction, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a strong culture of support, Lake Effect Martial Arts continues to shape healthier, happier lives across Western New York.
Whether you’re looking to get in shape, learn self-defense, or join a positive community, our doors are open. Come see why hundreds of students trust Lake Effect Martial Arts to guide their journey on and off the mats.
📍 Located in Depew, NY — minutes from Buffalo
🌐 Visit LakeEffectMartialArts.com to get started today!
The Health Benefits of Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Near Buffalo, NY If you’re looking to improve your fitness, reduce stress, and learn an effective martial art, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the best activities you can add to your lifestyle. At our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy just outside of Buffalo, New York, we […]
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How Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Can Help You Lose Weight and Live a Healthier Life If you’re tired of the same old gym routine or struggling to stay motivated on your fitness journey, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) might be exactly what you need. This dynamic martial art offers more than just self-defense skills—it’s also a full-body […]
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) offers a unique combination of physical exertion and mental discipline, creating a profound impact on psychological well-being. Unlike traditional workouts, BJJ requires constant problem-solving and strategic thinking. Practitioners must remain mentally engaged, anticipating opponents’ moves and devising counters in real time. This mental chess game strengthens cognitive flexibility and sharpens focus, […]
From White Belt to CEO: Building a Career in Martial Arts Without Ever Leaving the Mat: Guest Author Jen McGregor Some people punch clocks. Others punch bags. If you’re the type who’d rather wrap your hands in gauze than shuffle papers in a cubicle, you’ve probably wondered whether a life in martial arts could pay […]
What you believe is fundamentally going to change how you build. Building a New Culture in Jiu Jitsu: Emphasizing Values with Students Jiu Jitsu can be more than just a martial art, it can be a positive way of life that blends physical skill with mental discipline and personal growth. As the sport continues to […]
The Importance of Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that has gained worldwide recognition for its effectiveness in self-defense, sport competition, and overall physical and mental development. Rooted in traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, BJJ emphasizes ground fighting, leverage, and technique over brute strength. Whether you are a beginner looking to […]
As the school year approaches, students and parents alike are gearing up for new routines and challenges. While academic success is often the primary focus, the importance of extracurricular activities that build character, discipline, and self-confidence cannot be overstated. At Lake Effect Martial Arts, we believe that learning Jiu Jitsu is an invaluable addition to […]
10 Essential Features To Have A Successful Jiu-Jitsu Academy Running a BJJ academy is not an easy task. The owner really needs to be passionate about their job in order for the academy to be a success. Here are my top 10 features for a BJJ academy to be deemed a success. They are in […]
BJJ Coaches, Instructors, And Professors before we explore the entertaining world of BJJ coaching let’s get a few nomenclature questions out of the way. Very often, in academies across the globe, you’ll encounter a few terms that refer to Jiu-Jitsu coaches. The most widespread are coaches, teachers, instructors, and professors. While they all might refer […]
1. What Exactly is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a fighting sport and self-defense discipline based on ground maneuvers, grappling, and submission techniques. BJJ concentrates on controlling the opponent by gaining a dominant position and employing various methods to force them into submission using chokeholds or joint locks. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu first came into existence and was […]
Our Boxing program is growing leaps and bounds, contact us to schedule your free trial class today. When you’re feeling tense and frustrated, a good workout can help. Fitness boxing, which is a form of exercise that has roots in traditional boxing, offers a safe outlet for your emotions — not to mention an awesome […]
Every student pays to be a member of the academy. It isn’t fair when some people pay and some people don’t. A free membership might seem like a perk to you but its usually an indication of a bigger issue: covering bigger blemishes, lack of coaching depth, insecurities of the legitimacy of the team. […]
Did you know that Buffalo’s longest running Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament, The Buffalo Open and The Buffalo Classic, was co-founded by Professor Michael Katilus? The inagural Buffalo Classic first took place in 2014 at the Four Stallions Bar in Cheektowaga, NY. At the time there was only a small handful of jiu jitsu […]
Contact us today to reserve your spot. This is going to be a very special promotions and seminar day and we really hope you can join us. leo-vieira-flyer